Wolves gameday

Last update: November 27, 2006 - 8:46 PM

Preview: Graciousness got carried to an extreme last season, with the Wolves and the Rockets each winning twice on the others' court last season. The Wolves, in fact, have won their past four games at the Toyota Center. But they aren't likely to simply outscore the NBA's top defensive club; Houston is 5-1 at home and has held its past three opponents to a combined 36.0 percent shooting (86-for-239) and 82.7 points.

Player to watch: The Wolves never have faced this Yao Ming before. The center's game has taken a quantum leap this season; his 26.4 ppg are almost nine more than his career average, and he has scored at least 20 points in 10 consecutive games. He has had at least 30 points and 14 rebounds on three occasions so far.

Numbers: The Rockets are 3-2 within the Southwest Division. Big deal? Well, they were 1-15 in the division last season.

Injuries: Forward Juwan Howard left the Rockets' last game because of a strained abdominal muscle. Guard Bonzi Wells (that old Wolves nemesis), for a variety of ailments and personal reasons, has been inactive for 11 of Houston's 13 games.

STEVE ASCHBURNER

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